Before 2009 ends

The end of year 2009 is just a few days away. You'll just realize how fast the time is, when flashes of this year's events fills your mind and you'll soon come to think that its a lot and it is just like yesterday. From the very memorable to the very shameful all made just for me.

February 2009, was a blissful month, where money is very abundant and work was just like a walk in the park... It was my first annual bonus at HSBC.


It was the month were I bought my very first expensive jacket worth 6k pesos at Cielo and yes a very proud owner but I was a bit apprehensive because of the fact that I could buy a lot for 6k. I wore it proudly during our annual 'townhall'.


The coming months was very busy but not because of work but because of the coming Singles Encounter on May 2009. It was perhaps the greatest achievement that I did for my ministry. It was my blessing. Money was never a concern because I knew that the job that was given for me was given for this purpose.

When May came, it was the month of pure greatness and thanksgiving. It was the month of our sponsorship... In the past, my batch suffered a lot but I personally think that it was part of the process of our journey. We are all different and in this way we have brought hurts and misunderstanding, but in the end, it was a glorious day for God and to everyone who served.


June 2009. I turned 28 years of age. I celebrated my birthday with my co-workers at Learning E at Splash Island. Overall experience?.... super extra fun XD. I got to thank the guys for a fun treat.

August was the time I started running marathons. As always, there's never an outstanding run without good friends and good bonding moments. This was also the time where I got connected again with my Track and Field team during college.



Had this shameful incident in this event. Look for my previous post for the full story but to make the story short, I just asked the organizers that I wanted to ask for a public apology because I was a complete jerk to this lady who offered me a drink. I was not in my perfect sense that night.

Yes, I was granted the chance to speak up but I blew it, leaving me with looks saying 'what a complete idiot'... this things happen to me more than once in this lifetime and remembering them just irritates me to the spine.

Moving on.... September 2009, after more than just a year, I was able to go clubbing. It was Chie's birthday and I was invited at Hierarchy. A great night and another bonding moments with some of my office mates.


Adidas: King of the Road was my next 5k run (I never run more than 5k). Gym friends, officemates, varsity team during college was there, and with just an hour of sleep, my time was 26min. Not bad, although I was not able to compare it to the Kenny Rogers Urbanite run result, I knew I still have the touch just like before.



October 2009. This month onwards was the most eventful. We had the HSBC team bonding at Casa De Las Palmas. A great night to be sober and karaoke.

It was my third year in joining the body combat event and this event was the most promising. Members from team Alabang and Southmall last year are now merged to form the new team that was later called the Southern Archangels.

We meet, we trained, we compromised most of our priorities just for this competition. Van was the most dedicated. We both had the creativity to make a wonderful perfomance. The team had conflicts but we were able to somehow resolve those conflicts.

It was pure hardwork. I think, one should give respect in giving feedback to our creativity, dedication and the difficulty of our task in bring this up. It was the passion for body combat, it was my passion for creative inputs. We did not get any support and funds comes from our pockets but it was something that I did enjoyed.

Here are the final products of our labor and hard work.


When this first came out. People are making fun of it. Giving me names that I think not appropriate and most disrespectful. I do not think the whole concept's intention was to demoralize or to offend. It was for showmanship. Jayven who is our teamleader was a professional drag queen and a body combat instructor and what do you expect from the output of his works?... how I wish everyone could see his hardwork too.

We did not win. According to the judges, we lost because of a 10 point deduction. It was because our team leader wore a black brief-like costume... It was unfair. We played by the rules and was too cautious to in breaking the rules. It was more of personal issues rather than professional judging.

But at the end of the day. None was able to beat our performance that night



November and December 2009, was a month full of reunions and Christmas parties. The first reunion was with my co-workers at Learning-E, it was also a pre birthday celebration of Noreen. I miss the little family I left behind because of my search for greener pasture.


The people here are the most understanding group of friends that I have. We enjoy on the simple things and we never give much attention to any faults.

By the way, I got my 2010 planner of Starbucks. :) I only bought a few stickers and the rest was help from friends at the gym and office. I'm hanging around with coffee addicts. XD

Next was Jef's home coming. A dinner with college friends at Gilligan's. These are the 'married and soon to be married groups'. I enjoy the company of these great gentlemen because of the similarity of interests. I know video games was one of the common ground.

We had a Track and Field reunion last December 5. Met my old teammates and also met the new ones who were currently representing my Alma Matter. It was a great night for beer and silly conversations.

Looking at the picture, I just wish to go back when I was training and competing. The sport was a life changing thing for me and these people were part of my change and I am very much thankful for being part of the team.

December 13, my team 'the Southern Archangels' held our Christmas party at Jayven's place. The party was very organized, there's was never a dull moment and Lady Gaga was there to give us a gaga presentation. lolz

There was a game, that yours truly participated. It was like 'who is the most beautiful drag queen', haha, well our master makeup artist was the one who did our diva looks. The pot prize rose to 600 pesos. The team chose 2 representatives (Me and Angelo).

Well, the judging came to a tie. For Jayven's hardwork, the 100 pesos was given to him and the rest of the pot was given to us. Gelo and I decided to give 100 pesos each as 'balato'.

Well definitely the picture came to an attention to the prejudiced mind but what can I say, everybody is entitled to some degree of reaction. It was a great night for everybody nevertheless.

The year is God's blessing for me. Next year is a whole new story. I hope to meet great new people, big or small and I want the real ones. A makeup is not part of the true face, those who can't see beyond that just missed a great point.

Sana maulit muli...

Today is the last day of my 2-day leave. I've been resting for four days now, thinking nothing about work and enjoying the cool rainy weather and Diablo II :D... and a couple of body combat classes.

This is my level 45 Bone Necromancer 'Azragrim' and his sidekick 'Azrael'

This is the Trang-Oul's set. I need the helm, armour, belt, gloves, leggings and trophy...Haha I still don't have any of these.

If the set is completed, I will look like a floating litch... but nah I like the predator looking instead.

It was the best leave that I have so far. I scheduled this leave for me to unwind and celebrate. Last September 1 was my first anniversary with HSBC. I never thought time flies this fast. I don't know how I lasted this long but I was thankful because for a year, I never ran out of ideas on all my projects and I'm still employed. Thank God indeed.

I still don't want to go to work tomorrow. I till want to sleep all day and play Diablo II and get my Necromancer a Trang-Oul's set. I just want time to stop for a few days... and and... oh well. What I wanted to say is, I'm looking forward for another quality leave anytime soon. :)

Jabbawockeez live in Manila

Just watched Jabbawokeez perform live at The Alabang Town Center. Tickets were sold out before we found out that they will be performing a few days back. We plan to go to the place early so that we could find a good spot for us to have a better view of the group. But even as early as 4pm, the place is packed. A place this huge was now too small for the number of people that came.

We scouted for a good place, until we found a decent spot. The heat caused people to perspire profusely, even I, who came fresh and well groomed was already wasted in just a few minutes.

6pm, the event started with DJ Rashida playing a couple of tracks, followed by Billy Crowford, an international artist here in the Philippines. Jabbawockeez started their performance with a bang. I personally love the part were there is a narration and they acted it with such humor, then they danced 'All the single ladies' after that. They were really great.


It was my first time to experience hardships, just by glimpsing your idols. To stand up on tip toe the entire time, endure the hot and moisten atmosphere and to battle the force of push and pull from where I stand, all are worth it. I did not complain, not a single time.

When they were about to exit, I went to the spot where I can tap them on the shoulder and congratulate them. I was only able to tap one of them but it was ok, I was a very happy fan.

Thanks for the inspiration Jabbawockeez.

Jabbawockeez
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Hehe on the side note. I wanted to be part of this dance perfomance.

Kenny Rogers Urbanite Run Result

Well the result was disappointing but I have to accept the fact that I haven't been running for a long time. I'll be running again and will train harder and hope for a better time.

Kenny Rogers Urbanite Run at The Fort

August 15 2009. After 5 years, finally, I will be running a marathon again. I registered last July 31, 2009 for a 5k run but experienced a handful of problems: I had this concern which I asked the managers at Kenny Rogers in SM Southmall for help, I told them na hindi ko makukuha yung singlet and run kit ko, because the schedule for claiming is on August 13 and 14 at 3:30 pm to 11pm. My work starts at 4pm onwards, kumusta naman yon, and I don't know anyone who will be joining. The manager was responsive to my worries and told me that she will raise my concern to the organizers and will call me regarding updates.

Come Monday, August 3, as what they told me to do. The manager who talked to me before told me that she thought that the person who she gave my number to, gave me a call. I told them I did not receive any. Avoiding me to be displeased, the other manager told me and promised that they will get the kit for me. Since they have my contact details, they will send me a text message if the kit is already with then.

Days had pass and I haven't heard from them. August 9? I think. I met at the gym, Joms, my gym friend. He told me that he is planning to join the run as well. After the combat class that day, we went at Kenny Rogers for him to register. After my friend registered, I told the managers that I will give the claiming ticker to him, since he will be going there and get his kit and singlet.

August 13, 2009. I forgot to bring with me my cellphone at work. I realized that it was the day that my friend will be getting the kit and we will meet in the evening. I called and told my sister to text Joms to call me at the office, but my sister could do it after an hour because her tutor was there.

6:30pm, I called my sister but my mom answered my call. To my surprise, my sister was talking with Joms. After their conversation my sister talked to me. She said, that they were not able to get my singlet and my kit because I was not on the list. Wtf! Not on the list? I registered early how can that be possible. While my friend who just registered after a week got his things.

Trying to be calm, I went at Kenny Rogers again the next day. The manager in charge assisted me and called the person who will help me out. Until such time, they said that they will get the kit for me on that same day in the evening but again since I have work I will not be able to get it. I told them that I will pick up the kit the next day instead (the day of the marathon).

Saturday came in pretty fast. I prepared the things that I need to bring, took a bath and bought some refreshments. I went at Kenny Rogers to get the kit but after receiving it, I noticed that the singlet is missing. Irritated, I just asked them on how to get the uniform.

I was early, when I arrive at SM Makati, I decided to look for an arm band where you can put your Ipod player or cellphone. It was expensive though, the band cost me 500 Php, but I know having this band around would lessen the worry of safe keeping the important stuff. After, I went and took a cab. The traffic to an easier route was heavy so the driver drove to another route instead. I went down to an unfamiliar location. Good thing, after Joms handed over to my sister my uniform stub he got me a map where the specific distance run is drawn. From there I knew where I should be going.

After a few minutes of walking, after asking a few questions to people along the way on how to get to my destination. I finally found it. I went to the information booth to get my singlet. There are no more small sized so I got the medium sized instead.

There's a Fitness First near by. When I got there, I got myself a locker and changed to my gym clothes. The Fitness First in the Fort IMO is bigger compared to FF Southmall, though it does not really matter. I went to the weights area were I did a couple of back exercises, hit the thread mill and went to the shower to cool and relax myself, wore my singlet and went back at the booth hoping to meet Joms or anyone I know.

7:00pm. I was there standing at the registration area and baggage area. There I gave my envelope with the food stub and extra shirt. Two fitness yoga instructors whom I know called me and had a little chat with them. They gave me a tip on what I should do before I run. Learned that it is best not to stretch before the run because it is the major cause of cramps.

7:15pm. I was surprised that I was able to meet two of my varsity teammates during college. Looking at them feels like the good old times when we were competing. Had a great time and had a great conversation with them. Just as were about to do our warm up, we stumbled upon, Eillen, James and Zah, my Fitness First friends. I was so glad to see them and was also relieved because I know after the event, I have a ride going back home. I Introduced them to Jeff. Eileen asked me to get my things in Fitness First and put it in their car because the gym will be closed early.

We toured the place since we still have time in our hands. Went to this booth were you can paint your hand and stamp it on the wall and you could write a message on to it. I wrote there: "GO Fitness First Southmall, HSBC and CSB.... AIDS was here".

Had a couple of walks and went to this place were you can get this healthy bar snack for free. Grabbed 2 packs and another one that I placed in my arm band. Eileen had a camera and we took our shots. We would alternate and group ourselves for a picture. At first I thought I will not be able to document or give myself an evidence that I was there.

8:oopm. The 15 Kilometer runners went near the starting line and prepare themselves. I decided to warm up. I met another track team mate while I was doing a few slow runs beside the sidewalk.

It was a night to remember. I've seen Twity de Leon, an attention catcher celebrity mom. I also seen Mark Nelson and his "kalbo" friend (dunno what his name was). They were the celebrity host for the night. While waiting, I also met Van, a combat Instructor sa Fitness Southmall.

8:15pm. The runners for the 10k was next. I was excited and nervous. Good thing the warm up went well. I feel that my body was ready for the beating of the marathon but I am a 5k runner so I still have to wait for another 15 minutes.

8:20pm. Finally the 5k was next. The announcer said that it was the most number of participants. My body is starting to cool down because the night was cool but when I joined the crowd of participants the heat gave me back the warmth I need. Mark Nelson, shouted the count down. It was a slow start especially for the crowd at the back.

I ran. The first 2.5 kilometers was great. My pace was fast but I'm not that tired yet. The night was great, the cityscape was marvelous, the mood is just lovely. At the water station I grabbed 2 cups of water, said thanks very much to the lady who gave the refreshments, drank a mouthful and the other I poured on to myself. My abs started to hurt, it was the only discomfort that I felt, i also feel an increase in my momentum every time I overtook a runner. It feels great to pass by them. The next 2.5 kilometers was the most challenging. No wonder the first half was easy because most of the track was down slope. The next half was it's complete opposite. I stopped a few times to catch my breath, but every time I stop, I would count from 1 to 10 then resume to running.

Along the way, I met people having a brisk walk with their Siberian Husky pet, I saw three Huskys with their owners. They just put a smile on my face. I met my dream dog and it was a great sight indeed.

Less than a kilometer to go, we came clashing with the other participants. There were lots of them, and we would turn from one place to another just so we won't hit them. I can't believe I was running really fast, when others were just halfway and we were almost at the finish line.

Now this is the part were I will tell you the most embarrassing moment that happened to me that night. The finish line is just a few runs away. I was sprinting, my breath was heavy, my legs were sore. I finished my run, but I was very exhausted. One person shouted that water is along the way. I grasp for air, my vision started to turn black. I ran, I remember shouting, "where is the water?" but I could not see it. I didn't know were my legs has taken me but I know I was at the hydration station. The lady offered me bottled drinks but I grabbed them with force and without even saying thanks. I was tired but I was also angry. I was like a drunk man in the bar.

I stood at the field and people were staring at me, I feel very paranoid and I thought to myself that I did something wrong in public. I was convinced that what I did was shameful and wrong. I did not know what I was thinking but I went to the booth were the organizers are. I spoke to a guy with an afro hair. I told them that I would like to announce a public apology. I explained it to them. At first, one of the organizer told me not do it because it might give a negative feed back from the people. I told him that how can a public apology be so negative if the purpose was good.

Yes, I got the opportunity and when I stood there on the stage, I said "pahiram lang ng konting oras nyo, I would just like to make an apology..." I went blank after that because I felt fear. Imagine the number of people looking at you. Then I started to speak again and all I remember was I was telling the story on how it came to be. The speaker told me "Tama na, nakakahiya sa mga sponsors" sabi ko "teka lang..." I desperately wanted to get the message across but I gave the mic eventually. I was lost for words. When I went down the stage, a hooded man tap me on the shoulder and said "ok lang yan". Dennis and Archie approached me, they were my office mates at HSBC. Dennis said "ok lang yan dude", they were with me and I just feel relieved because after that shameful experience at least someone was there.

My office mates left after a few talks. I stand alone again and people just keeps on staring. I do not want to bow my head but instead I was standing tall with a face trying to endure that experience. I was waiting for Eileen and James. Nahimasmasan na ako. I can't seem to find the two. I instead went to the baggage counter to get my envelope and extra shirt. Dennis and Archie were there, they thought I'm alone so they joined me. We took pictures and we converse about work and all. We fall in line were the loot bags and certificate were being distributed.

Me, Dennis, Archie and Dennis' Mom

I finally found James near one of the tents. After getting the loot bag, I said my farewell to Dennis and Archie. When Eileen and Zah came, we were conversing about what I did. It was stupid and idiotic I said, Eileen said, better for me not to go there and speak. Yeah I agree, curse this paranoid effect I said to myself but she said it is ok, people will eventually forget. Well I hope so, I also hope that the whole thing was not captured in video because If it did what are the possibilities for me to be seen in youtube?

We were hungry that night. We went to Bonifacio square? to look and find a place to eat. Fort Bonifacio was a very beautiful place. You feel like you were someplace else, and people say that the Philippines is a third world country? I'd like to think again. Lots of foreigners and dogs to be seen. Yeah, dogs, those expensive breed kinda of dogs. Most of the dogs have clothes and yayas with them. Yaya I say? Yes, grabe ang aso parang tao, tas yung iba mukhang aso haha...ahem sorry. We were undecided were we should eat because the restaurants there are unfamiliar and looks very expensive. The Brothers Burger is swarming with hungry people, so we passed on that one even though we like to dine in. How about Pancake House? Eileen suggested. Since it is the only familiar place where real food is accessible. Yup Pancake House it is but when we went there, they were already closed.

Fort Bonifacio Global City at night

We walked again and we tried this restaurant were they serve food like in Denchos. It was Denchos but has a name before it, it says ________(forgot the title for this) in Denchos. Joms and the others joined us and we ate and had a great time.

We ended at 1:30am and I went home and slept at 2am in the morning.

I woke up and I still remember that dreadful incident. I wish I could have said:

"Just a few words...
I would like to ask for a public apology for a bad display of attitude,
I apologize for the lovely lady who gave me the water that I am holding right now on how I get these refreshments from her,
I am sorry for the kids who have seen it,
I am sorry to the people who have witnessed it... I'm really really am so sorry
and thank you to the organizers who gave me the opportunity to speak and to redeem the shame that I brought myself and to the people who knows me tonight. Thanks and congratulations."

I could have said it this way. I can't believe everytime I have an opportunity to speak up, I easy waste it but after that opportunity only then the right words will come out. Sucks to be me. We'll it happened, there's nothing that could be done, it was destiny. Hari talaga ng sablay.